Jasper Wentzel is not only the press and promo guy for record label PIAS‘s Belgian branch, he’s also a walking music encyclopedia. That’s why we asked him to whip up a playlist of his favorite tracks of 2012. Here’s his nifty inventory of defining choons of the year, ranging all the way from iconic Can reissues to rising British four-piece Alt-J, who, according to Jasper, are undoubtedly this year’s most worthy newcomers. Scroll down for a listen.

19. Mala – Ghost (Brownswood)

20. Mohn – Ambientot (Kompakt)

Very sweet and highly addictive track that has been on repeat on my stereo.

21. Conrad Schnitzler – Tanze Im Regen (Bureau B)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RirP4FtSSk4

I had already been searching for a while for this 1981 album so I was really happy with this official reissue. Conrad Schnitzler had been in experimental krautrockbands (Tangerine Dream, Kluster) but this time he goes pop in the style of the “neue welle” (Der Plan, D.A.F.). This beautiful track is one for rainy Belgium.

22. Julia Holter – In the same room (Rvng Intl)

A song off my favourite album of the year ‘Ekstasis’. Music that really succeeds in exploring new dimensions, in being experimental without losing its magic.

23. The Slaves – 111 (Digitalis)

This duo produces an overwhelming wall of sound with influences from doom noise and shoegaze drones. Powerful but subtle, earth trembling but spine tingling, all at the same time.

24. Holy Other – Nothing here (Tri Angle)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXlqkHYs5HI

Slowly escaping the witch-house tag by evolving into haunting soundscapes, Holy Other’s music is emotional in a very weird way. Fascinating.

25. Actress – N.E.W. (Honest Jon’s)

Darren J. Cunningham a.k.a. Actress is (together with Flying Lotus) one of the most interesting new electronica producers around. Hard to pin down and assimilating lots of influences, he takes a more ambient direction on his ‘RIP’ album, with deeply moving results.

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The Word Magazine is Belgium’s leading English-speaking free media platform, documenting and championing the best in neighbourhood living, music and art. Published every two months, the magazine is distributed in over 500 distribution points across the country.